Packing Tips

It is always recommended that professional movers will pack your boxes. If you are trying to reduce cost and doing the packing yourself, understand that the mover may not be liable for items packed by you.

If you are packing your own boxes, here are our best tips:
□ Pack one room at a time.
□ Avoid mixing things from different rooms in the same box; it will make unpacking more
time consuming.
□ Pack clothing and linens in suitcases, when possible.
□ Wrap small items that can be easily lost in brightly colored tissue paper before placing
them in boxes.
□ Clearly label each box with your name, its general contents, an arrow indicating which side
is up, “Fragile” if contents are breakable, and which room each box belongs in. Refrain from
noting anything valuable, such as silver, on the outside of a box.
□ Have area rugs professionally cleaned before your move. They will return from the cleaners
rolled, wrapped, and ready for shipping.
□ Assigning color codes to label and corresponding rooms or family members can make unpacking
quicker.
□ Use small boxes for heavy items, large boxes for light ones, and medium boxes for everything
in between. Heavier items should be placed at the bottom, lighter ones on top. A good
rule of thumb is that if you can’t pick up a box with ease, it’s too heavy.
□ When disassembling furniture, put hardware in a plastic bag and affix it to the corresponding
piece (however, do not apply tape or any adhesives directly to polished or painted wood
surfaces).
□ Never pack flammables or combustibles.

More specific “Prep” Packing Tips:
Begin by packing items you do not use every day.
If you will be using boxes that you got from the grocery store, check them carefully for bugs.
Label each box, indicating in which room it should go. Mark fragile boxes boldly so the movers will exercise extra care.
Upholstered items should be covered with protective plastic to prevent stains or damage.
Remove bulbs and shades from all lamps. Lamp shades should be packed separately in a sturdy box. To protect your lampshades wrap them in bubble wrap. Do not use newspaper as it may leave smudges.
Valuables should be removed and kept with you. This includes legal documents, financial records, insurance policies, computer diskettes with backed up files, jewelry, cash and credit cards.
Glass table tops and glass doors on furniture should be Packed with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard for safe shipping.
Dry and canned foods may be shipped as long as they are packed in a sturdy box. Liquids should be discarded or thrown away.
Chemical and hazardous materials, such as, but not limited to, propane tanks, pool chemicals, fertilizers, paint thinners, solvents, bleach, aerosol cans, and firearms cannot be shipped. Lawnmowers and other equipment with gas tanks must be completely drained prior to shipping.
Drawers in furniture should be cleared of liquid and heavy items. Light clothing only may be left in sturdy furniture.
Appliances should be disconnected prior to your moving team arriving. Also, take down shelves, light fixtures or chandeliers if applicable.
Items needing special handling, such as pool tables, Jacuzzi's or grandfather clocks should be disassembled by a professional prior to your move day. Once these items have been disassembled Movers USA will be glad to pack and ship them for you.

Packing techniques:

Pack largest and heaviest items in bottom of box first. Books and other heavy items should be packed in small boxes.
Large mirrors or pictures should be wrapped individually, covering both sides with bubble wrap and heavy cardboard, then binding with tape.
Items should be packed in boxes that are the proper size. If there is empty space in the box use wadded up packing paper to fill up space.
Small appliances and electronics should be packed in the boxes they came in whenever possible.
For dishes and glassware you should use specially designed dish packages. Pack dishes on their sides wrapped in newspaper or packing paper in between them.
If you disassemble any furniture yourself, remember to put the hardware in a plastic bag and attach it with tape so it will not be lost.
Wrap sharp tools to prevent injury.

Computers and printers: Computers and printers should be wrapped in a plastic bag first, then packed in the box it came in or similar sturdy box. Check the owner’s manual for tips in securing internal components. Repack those boxes in a second, individual box. Fill empty space with bubble wrap or cardboard. Remove printer cartridge. Mark “Fragile” and “This End Up” and the room destination.

Electronics: Stereos, CD Players, VCR’s and DVD’s: These should be wrapped in plastic bags and then in the original cartons or similar sturdy box. Check the owner’s manual for additional packing tips. Repack those boxes in a second, individual box. Mark “Fragile” and “This End UP” and the room destination.

Clothing: We recommend that clothing be packed in wardrobe boxes. Depending on the size of the garment, these boxes can hold up to 25 hangers. Fill the bottom of the boxes with shoes or other lightweight items.

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Year after year for nearly three decades, Movers USA is one of the most respected and recommended moving company from Maryland to Virginia. It is our privilege to provide the busy Capital Region with elite relocation and storage services – whether you’re moving within Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington DC, Alexandria VA, or any of the cities and neighborhoods in our wide coverage area, you won’t find a more professional, or dedicated moving company. Our growing list of satisfied customers will back that up.